Harambee Stars name talented U23 squad for 2024 COSAFA Cup set for South Africa

The men’s national football team Harambee Stars has opted to send its U23 squad to the upcoming 2024 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup which Kenya has been invited to as a guest participant.

According to the Football Kenya Federation, the decision taken aligns with its vision of providing a platform for the nation’s Emerging Stars to help them gain international experience and exposure.

Harambee Stars assistant coach Ken Odhiambo, who will lead the assignment, instead of Engin Firat has already named the squad that will participate in the tournament to be held in South Africa from 26 June to 7 July.

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Odhiambo will be assisted by his national team counterpart and Kariobangi Sharks head coach William Muluya.

A few experienced players, including Anthony Akumu (unattached) and Johnstone Omurwa, who plies his trade in Portugal, have been drafted into the team, alongside U18 prodigies Amos Wanjala and Aldrine Kibet who made a mark at last year’s CECAFA U18 Championships.

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have six players in the squad with current joint top scorer Benson Omalla and the 23/24 Most Valuable Player contender Austine Odhiambo headlining the list.

There is also room for Kariobangi Sharks' highly-rated Stanley Wilson with three England-based players also making the squad.

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In the meantime, preparations for the regional showpiece kick off on June 20, 2024, when the team tarts residential training in Nairobi.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Bryne Omondi (Bandari), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)

Defenders

Alphonce Omija (Dhofar, Oman), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Boniface Onyango (Tusker), Geoffrey Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks), Hanniff Wesonga (KCB), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy, Spain), Johnstone Omurwa (Portugal), Faiz Opande (USA), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka)

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Midfielders

Wilson Stanley (Kariobangi Sharks), Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia), John Ochieng (Zanaco, Zambia), Anthony Akumu (Unattached), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports, Spain), Bajaber Mohammed (City Stars), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Patrick Otieno (Posta Rangers), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Emmanuel Osoro (Nzoia Sugar), William Gatimu (Bandari), Fortune Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards)

Forwards

Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Josphat Lopaga (Dynamo Brest, Belarus), Samuel Kapen (Nairobi City Stars), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient, England), George Gitau (Middlesborough, England), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College, England)

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